The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-09-04

anu productive county, luuu tnRt
needed not as Egypt artificial ilrisa
ton, but q land that 'drinketh
water OF the rain Of heayen, as Moses
told the children Of Israel; a land
Of wheat and of oil, land whero
there is no lack OF anything, highly
| agricultural country. Elisha, when
visited by Elijah, was blowing with
twelve yoke Of oven. With an area
not one-third the area OF Tennessee,
Palestine supported four times the
population. The area of Palestine
was 13,5OO square miles its popula-
ton was 5000, 600. The area OF Ten
pessee is 1000 square miles; its
population in 1890 was ,542 $40.
And not only was Palestine an agri.
cultural country, but il was also a
pastoral region-a stock country in
the highest sense of the term. Nabsls
sheep numbered 5000, his goats 1000.
The hills Of Giload aud Bashan were
not only rs famous for their forests Of
stately oaks as Lebanon was for its
forests OF cedsrs, but also Tor tho
herds OF cattle that grszed over those
rich woods pastures, the fat bulls of
Bashan that rivaled in size aud
beauty the lordly shorthorns of the
Blue Grass region Of Kentucky.
When we turn TO some other parts OF
Asia Miner and Europe, we fluid
the same devastation produced by
the same cause. Tho pine has long
since retroated, from the invading
desert climate TO the heights Of the
Arcadian mountains. Where are tho
pastures now; whore are the fields
around the holy city OF Oar
danus, which, at the foot of the
richly watered Ida, supported 5000
msres2 Who can talk now Of the
Nanthus with its hurryipg waters2
Who would understand now the cx-
preston, Argos, feeder Of horscsY
The nymphs with dishe YELLED hair
bowail their fountains and their
lakes. Bootia mourns for Dirce,
Argos for Anymore aud Ephyrus
for the waters OF Pyronius. The
swans OF Caystcr no lonser celebrate
the Maeonian banks by their songs.
Consequent upon the destruction of
forests, there have ALWAYS been cxtcu-
sivo dessication OF soil aud climate,
alterations OF long continued
drought with destructive floods, aud
indications that the sequence il that
Of cause aud effect. The planting OF
the Alps, Ceyonnos aud Pyrencs
mountains with trees have arrested
the torrents OF winter aud rendered
less frequent the droughts of sum
mer. Rains are becoming abundant
in the vicinity OF those extensive
plantations OF forest trees made by
the railroads Ju the Western plains,
aud whore irrigation was formerly
necessary, the land now 'drinkcth in
water OF the rain OF heaven. Now,
while our State has yet large forest
area, is the time TO preserve
in forest that portion that
is essential 10 its agricultural
fertility. The Department, Of Agri-
culture, recognizing the truth that a
most efficient msans 10 ,his end IN to
act through the schools, is sending
out its circulars TO teachers every
where, invoking the aid Of their in
huenoc.
There IL n German proverb that
says Whatever you wish to appear
in the lie Oi a nation, make IL begin
with the children in the schools. IL
is upon this principle that Arbor
days have been recommended by Su-
pcriutendents of Public Instruction
ia some OF the States. Ga this sub
ject Mr.. Peaselce, former supcrin-
tcndent Of Cincinnati public schools,
says: The celebration Of tree plant-
ing il n most impressive and attract
i've means OF instructing the youth of
the State in the value aud utility Of
forests, their influence upon climate,
soil, production, otc. IL il also, he
adds, the surcst aud best way ol call.
iug the attention OF the people at
large to it, The OF ject Of the celo-
braiion of Arbor day IL TO insiill into
the minds Of children and Of older cit
liens correct sentiments with regard
10 trees, and 10 s'Oio their minds
with information relating 10 forestry,
aud TO the distinguished men aud
women in whose honor, or 20 whose
memory each tree j. planted. For
We would have each tree dedicated
TO men and women whose lives have
reflected honor upon their race, TO
the pioneers and distinguished citi-
zens Of each country, village or city,
as the case may be, aud thus make
trees, AZ Holmes says. monuments
Of history aud character
"Arbor DAYS have been appointed
by Law in many oftho States. There
was law establishing Arbor day en-
acted by the Legislature Of Tonnes
see nj lis last session"